Design Studio Assistant

Also known as:

Studio Assistant - Design

Introduction

Design studio assistants help professional designers with their work. Typical duties may include: researching a design project, making rough sketches, using computer-aided design (CAD) software and preparing materials. As there are few vacancies, entry can be competitive.

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Work Activities

Design studio assistants help professional designers working on three-dimensional design in its widest sense. Three-dimensional design is concerned with the design of most solid objects, in particular their appearance and visual appeal. Design is usually for mass production or for production by designer-craftworkers.

Studio assistants may work in one of the following design areas:
• industrial design (sometimes called product design)
• interior design
• exhibition design
• theatre design
• silversmithing and jewellery design
• furniture design
• ceramic design.

Whilst the precise nature of the work varies from one design area to another and from one design studio to another, most design studio assistants go through similar processes. They take instructions for the project, research the background of the product and research the client company.

They then work on creative ideas, producing rough sketches using appropriate colours, shapes and materials. Design studio assistants may also be expected to present ideas to senior designers or clients before preparing detailed working drawings, models or prototypes in preparation for production.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is widely used in this process. In undertaking a project the design studio assistant should be aware of the cost limits, the suitability of different materials, the technical constraints, engineering principles, and the production issues and capabilities.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Personal qualities and skills vary from one design area to another but you are likely to need the following:
• the ability to solve design problems
• a logical mind
• creative and artistic abilities in producing design solutions
• the ability to change a visual idea into a three-dimensional design
• drawing, sketching and model-making skills
• some mathematical ability
• the ability to work both alone and as part of a team
• a lively and enquiring mind
• computer skills.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for design studio assistants vary with the industry and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Design studio assistants earn in the range of £15,500 - £19,000 a year, rising to around £24,000 a year.

Design studio assistants work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and weekend work may be required, especially to meet deadlines.

Employers include large manufacturing companies, design studios and consultancies, exhibition companies and furniture manufacturers. Television and theatre companies may also employ design studio assistants to work on special effects.

Entry to most areas of design is very competitive.

Working as a design assistant is usually the first step towards becoming a professional designer.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills and abilities gained in using CAD software are an advantage.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with experience in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Relevant courses in art and design subjects, at various levels, are offered by a large number of centres, by distance learning.

To enter this work or relevant courses, you need to have a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative ability.

• 19% of people in occupations such as design assistant work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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